AS/A2 Exams and Coursework
In the Lower Sixth, pupils take four AS courses. A few take five. In the Upper Sixth, we are keen to encourage pupils to continue with four A2 courses, but some reduce their commitment to three. Some continue with five. In order to lay a secure foundation for the Upper Sixth, pupils should gain at least a grade C in the subjects to be studied to A2 level. If a pupil does not achieve this level, they will not be allowed to carry on with this subject to A2 level. Our policy is that AS units are taken in the summer examination session of the Lower Sixth year. The A2 modules are also taken in the summer only, but in the Upper Sixth year.
At Haileybury, we have not allowed pupils to re-take in January of the Upper Sixth and we intend to maintain this policy under the new A Level format. In both Lower and Upper Sixth years, pupils will be provided with opportunities to take practice examinations, although in recent years we have not done this through a formal set of Trial Examinations.
Most A Level courses will comprise four units: two will be taken at AS Level and two at A2. A handful of A Level subjects will retain a six-unit structure. In terms of popularity of uptake, the most significant of these is Mathematics, but Science subjects and Music will also operate in a six-unit structure. Most units are assessed by examination. Some units are assessed by coursework.
The value of coursework units and the requirements of these units vary from subject to subject. Many coursework units involve Controlled Assessment using prepared notes under controlled conditions rather than pieces of work put together in a pupil's own time.
AS courses are meant to be less demanding in terms of conceptual understanding. The A2 course is meant to be more demanding and is supposed to require an amount of "synopticity". This means it should combine skills and knowledge from both the AS and A2 parts of the course.
The Upper School timetable is constructed around five columns. Subjects are studied for 10 lessons per fortnight in the Lower Sixth and for 12 lessons per fortnight in the Upper Sixth.
